Reduce College Costs
you can reduce college costs
We have assembled 10 tips that can help reduce your college costs. Some of these tips may help in your situation:
Cost Reduction Ideas:
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Search all available scholarships There are thousands of scholarships that go unawarded because students fail to do a complete research. Many of these scholarships only offer minimal sums ($300-$700 awards), but they do add up to help reduce college expense. Some scholarships to consider:
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Start your 1st and 2nd year at a less expensive school Look into community college programs for many of the "basic courses" that you have to take. After the 2nd year, transfer those credits to another school of your choice to pursue your "specialized courses" for your undergraduate degree. Community colleges are less expensive than regular 4-year schools. Make sure the credits earned at community colleges can be transferred to your school of choice:
Again, make sure credits earned can be transferred.
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Check your school for tuition reduction plans Some schools offer tuition discounts for some of the following students. See if you may qualify:
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Look into housing reduction plans Some schools and private housing units will waive or reduce housing costs if you become a residential manager of the dorm or housing unit. You will be required to work a set number of hours each week.
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Check your school's employment office Many schools have on-campus employment positions that are not part of the work-study program. Some of these positions offer tuition discounts and a wage for your service: check your school's employment office
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Take as many credits as possible to speed up your graduation requirements Most schools charge one price regardless of the number of credits you take. Take advantage of single pricing and load up as many credits possible to speed up your requirements for graduation. Another way to reduce college costs is to take advantage of proficiency examination programs. Ask your school about the Advanced Placement Program (APP), the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP), and the Provenience Examination Program (PEP). If you score high enough on the examination under a specified program, you can receive college credit. Some colleges give credit for life experiences. Students should check with the college for further information. check with the Distance Education and Training Council for Information
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Don't forget the service academies Some students sign up for ROTC or enroll into the service academies to help pay for school. The Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) Scholarship Program pays all tuition fees, and textbook costs, as well as providing a monthly living stipend. But students should be aware that there is a service commitment following your graduation. link for information:
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Look at in-state and private matching programs Most public state schools offer reduced tuition for in-state residents. You should seriously consider an in-state program as part of your education to help keep costs down. Some private colleges will match the tuition of out-of-state institutions for certain students. Check with your college to determine whether you qualify for this option: check your school's admissions office
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Check your college for other aid options Some schools offer reduced tuition rates to families if the major wage earner is unemployed. There are Master degrees in Public administration online programs that have been created to help students, employees or managers earn a higher education without giving up on their daily occupation. Whether you decide to change career or simply to perfect your knowledge in the field you are currently in, these online programs will be less expensive and also less time consuming than going back to college. You will be able to work and study at the same time. It is a good way to earn professional skills, including interpersonal communications, organizational leadership, strategic thinking and quantitative analysis, in order to fulfill your career plans. Some colleges and universities have special funds set aside for families who do not qualify for federal or state funding: check your school's financial aid office
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Manage your funds Manage your money smartly. Buy used textbooks, keep your outside play at a minimum, walk to school whenever possible, don't go on spending binges, etc.
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Student Tools and Needs
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